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Good news times two from the Houston Zoo! On November 14, two pygmy marmosets were born to seven-year-old, Teek, who is a first-time mom. They spent time bonding behind the scenes before officially making their debut last Tuesday, January 5, in the rainforest canopy inside of our Natural Encounters building. Watch them in action above!

Not familiar with these adorable little monkeys? Here's a little bit about them. The pygmy marmoset is a small New World monkey native to rainforests of the western Amazon Basin in South America. It is notable for being the smallest monkey and one of the smallest primates in the world, at just over 100 grams (3.5 oz). It is generally found in evergreen and river-edge forests and is a gum-feeding specialist, or a gummivore.

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According to Pekka Soini, in "Ecology and Population Dynamics of the Pygmy Marmoset, Cebuella Pygmaea" About 83% of the pygmy marmoset population lives in stable troops of two to nine individuals, including a dominant male, a breeding female, and up to four successive litters of offspring. The modal size of a standard stable troop would be six individuals. Although most groups consist of family members, some may also include one or two additional adult members. Pygmy Marmosets communicate using a complex system including vocal, chemical, and visual signals. Three main calling signals depend on the distance the call needs to travel. These monkeys may also make visual displays when threatened or to show dominance. Chemical signaling using secretions from glands on the chest and genital area allow the female to indicate to the male when she is able to reproduce. As Houston Zoo has just witnessed the female Pygmy Marmoset gives birth to twins twice a year and the parental care is shared between the group.

Want to check out these adorable little guys? The Houston Zoo's main entrance is now open and their updated daytime admission hours are now from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:00 p.m.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030 US
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